A member of Hartpury University’s Veterinary Nursing team has been selected as one of 47 inspirational scientists featured in a new book aimed at encouraging young people to explore careers in science.
Declan Jones CertAVN RVN, HE Technician and Demonstrator in Veterinary Nursing at Hartpury University, features in Scientists Making a Difference: 47 Inspirational Scientists Changing the World and How You Can Join Them, published on 10 September 2026.
Written by multi-award-winning engineer, broadcaster and science advocate Dr Shini Somara, the book introduces young people to scientists working across a diverse range of fields and backgrounds, highlighting the many different routes into careers in science.
Declan’s feature, ‘Training the Next Generation of Veterinary Nurses’, explores his own route into veterinary nursing, the varied nature of the profession and his role today supporting students as they develop the practical skills required for their future careers.
After completing his GCSEs, Declan initially began A-levels in statistics and the sciences before an apprenticeship opportunity at a local veterinary practice led him in a different direction. Starting out as a Veterinary Care Assistant, Declan gained experience across reception and nursing responsibilities before discovering his passion for veterinary nursing. He went on to complete a Level 3 apprenticeship diploma, combining his studies with practical experience in a veterinary practice.
Now a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN), Declan brings that experience to his role at Hartpury University, where he supports Veterinary Nursing students with the practical elements of their studies.
His role includes helping students develop and practise a wide range of clinical skills, from taking X-rays and blood samples to preparing for and monitoring anaesthesia.
Highlighting the variety involved in the profession, Declan says in the book: “Veterinary nurses tend to do a little bit of everything – we are the Swiss army knives of the veterinary world!”
Declan Jones added: “I hope my story shows young people that there isn’t necessarily one set route into veterinary nursing or a career in science. Veterinary nursing is an incredibly varied profession, and it’s rewarding to now be in a position where I can share my own experience and help our students at Hartpury prepare for their future careers.”
Declan’s contribution to the book reflects the practical, career-focused approach to Veterinary Nursing education at Hartpury University.
Hartpury’s veterinary nursing programmes are fully accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), with students combining their university studies with clinical and professional experience in the workplace.
Students also benefit from specialist facilities designed to enable them to put theory into practice and develop their confidence and competence before applying their skills in a veterinary practice environment.
These facilities were significantly enhanced in 2025 with the opening of Hartpury University’s state-of-the-art Veterinary Nursing and Technical Skills Centre.
The dedicated facility was officially opened by Hartpury University Chancellor Martin Clunes in March 2025 and provides an advanced learning environment for Veterinary Nursing students, staff and industry.
The centre includes two laboratories with a shared preparation room, flexible study space and a clinical skills centre dedicated largely to practical teaching. Students can use specialist equipment, animal simulators and training models, supported by qualified veterinary professionals and teaching staff, to develop and refine their clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment before applying them in practice.
It supports Hartpury’s commitment to preparing skilled and confident veterinary nurses who are ready to meet the changing needs of the profession, something reflected in Declan’s own work supporting and training students.
Scientists Making a Difference: 47 Inspirational Scientists Changing the World and How You Can Join Them has been created in collaboration with Imperial College London and The Gatsby Charitable Foundation.
Aimed at readers aged 12 and over, the book features apprentices, technicians, professors and entrepreneurs working across a variety of scientific fields. Every state-funded secondary school in the UK will receive two free copies of the book alongside a school resource kit containing lesson plans, teacher resources, posters and a science timeline.
